Final registration for Tagaman today

From left Jay Diyco, Ricky Castro, Emily Northrop, and MARPAC’s James Lee pose with Budweiser products after the donation turnover ceremony at the company’s office in Middle Road. MARPAC and Budweiser are supporters of Tagaman Triathlon that will be held this Saturday. (Contributed Photo)

Today is the final registration for the 2017 Tagaman 51.50 Triathlon that will hit the road this Saturday.

Registration fees are $180 for solo and $300 for team. Riders are also reminded to exercise caution while on the roads Saturday morning. This year’s race will begin at 6am with a 1.5K swim leg at Kanoa Resort Saipan, the official hotel of the event. By 7am, bikers will begin transitioning at Minatchom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe and make the 40K bike course to Banzai Cliff and back to Beach Road and Chalan Monsignor Guerrero Road. One lane of traffic will be closed both ways. The 10K run will be from Minatchom Atdao to the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.

“We encourage the community to come out to Kanoa Resort and along the course to cheer for and encourage racers,” said Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “This is a great way to show our local island hospitality to our visitors. Most especially we ask all drivers to drive slow and carefully while along the race course Saturday morning.”

So far, 102 competitors have registered for the event and they are from Korea, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines, USA, and the Marianas. Pro athletes confirmed to return are Kaon Cho of Korea, Alexandr Dorovskikh of Russia, and Joseph Miller of the Philippines. Newcomers in the pro women’s field are Leanne Szeto and Tsang Ka Hung of Hong Kong, Manami Ijima of Guam, Maria Hodges of the U.S., and the Marianas’ Emily Northrop.

The Tagaman Triathlon is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority, aimed at attracting visiting athletes and media coverage for The Marianas. Organizing this year’s event has been contracted to Northern Marianas Cycling Federation in cooperation with Triathlon Association of the CNMI (TRAC).

Platinum sponsors are Kanoa Resort & Spa, T Galleria, and Hyatt Regency Saipan. Gold sponsors are Tan Holdings, Islander Rent-a-car, IT&E, Brabu Pharmacy, and MARPAC. Silver sponsors are Bridge Capital, LLC, Imperial Pacific International, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., Triple J Wholesale, and Marianas Medical Center. Bronze sponsors are Let’s Go! Tou, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and RNV Forex. Event supporters include the Dept. of Public Safety (DPS), Dept. of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Dept. of Public Works (Road and Grounds), DPS Boating and Traffic, Div. of Parks and Grounds, Marianas Health Services, Elliot Systems, and Hawaiian Rock Products. (PR)